According to a recent study published online in the November 30 issue of Pediatrics, there’s a new approach to autism that could actually help in the boosting of IQ along with children’s language and social skills. The special, intensive early intervention program was developed as part of the study to examine whether or not targeting certain areas of development could in fact help those who may have been diagnosed with autism.

“When done in this fashion (the program), many children are able to learn and make remarkable progress,” said Geraldine Dawson, lead author of the stud and chief science officer of Autism Speaks. “Some of the kids at the end of the study were going into regular preschool and had developed language and friendships with their peers.”

The program, known as the Denver Model, targets language, social behavior, motor skills, play, self-help skills, and other developmental milestones in a format provided by trained professionals who work with each child one-on-one in the home for several two-hour sessions for five days per week. During this time, parents were also trained in various intervention strategies to make dealing with autistic behaviors easier.

“The strategies in this model are delivered in a very naturalistic, play-based and relationship-focused context rather than sitting the child down at a table and doing drills,” said Dawson. “It’s just a slow process, sort of a labor of love, teaching kids step by step all these different skills.”

Two years after each program was implemented, children involved in the Denver Model were tested for progress. The intervention program was shown to improve a child’s IQ on an average of 15.4 points. Additionally, children participating in the Denver Model program were also more likely to have their diagnosis changed from autism to pervasive developmental disorder. These successes have since prompted the study team to publish a step-by-step manual describing this unique approach.

“It sets a benchmark for additional therapies that may come along,” said Keith A. Young, chairman of the Tissue Advisory Board at Autism Speaks. “This treatment was done in a very scientifically rigorous way and I think … this is going to become the standard for what needs to be done to get these kids to function better.”

If you’re interested in reading more about the Denver Model and the study, visit the official release page.